TL;DR
Dreaming of a custom engagement ring that’s anything but ordinary? At Gem Breakfast, we handle every detail—from sourcing your stone to bringing your one-of-a-kind design to life. Delivered in a proposal-ready box in just 6–8 weeks.
Ready to start designing? Book your free consult →
At Gem Breakfast, we live for custom. There’s nothing more fulfilling than taking an idea—maybe it’s half-formed, maybe it’s fully crystalized—and turning it into the soul-matching custom engagement ring of your dreams. From choosing your stone to sculpting your setting to every last prong and polish — we turn your Pinterest board into a one-of-a-kind ring reality.
This blog walks you through the full process of how to design a custom engagement ring from scratch — no stress, no gatekeeping, and no more boring mall rings.
Already have ideas? Start your custom project here →
What Is a Custom Engagement Ring?
A custom engagement ring is made from scratch — designed specifically around your vision, your stone, and your vibe. Nothing is pre-made or pulled off a shelf — it’s completely original, made to match your energy and aesthetic.
At Gem Breakfast, everything is already made-to-order. Whether you start with a stone you love or a sketch you scribbled at brunch, we’ll bring it to life IRL.
Related reading: Custom vs. Ready-to-Ship Engagement Rings →
Why Go Custom?
You want something different. Something that feels like you (or your person). Something that hasn’t been seen a thousand times before.
Custom lets you create an engagement ring that tells your story—through every stone, curve, and sparkle.
Here are some signs the custom route might be for you:
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You know what you want but can’t find it anywhere.
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You love bits and pieces from different rings but nothing that combines them all.
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You want to translate a feeling, an aesthetic, or a personality into ring form.
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You’re craving a creative experience and a piece that’s totally, completely one-of-a-kind.
Oh—and custom doesn’t have to mean complicated or over-the-top. You can create a minimalist, streamlined solitaire or a full cosmic star diamond masterpiece. Custom simply means it’s designed and made just for you.
Step-by-Step: How to Design a Custom Engagement Ring
Each project is one-of-a-kind — but the flow? It’s easy. Here’s exactly what to expect:
Step 1: Let's Talk
It all starts with a conversation. You’ll chat with one of our Chefs over the phone, Zoom, or in person if you're local to San Francisco. Expect it to take 30–45 minutes. It’s a fun, collaborative vibe—we’re here to get to know you and understand your vision.
We’ll cover:
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Inspo & ideas: Pinterest boards, IG saves, sketches, screenshots—it all helps.
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Your budget: We’ll advise how to maximize sparkle and size within your range.
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Stone & metal preferences: Sapphires, champagne diamonds, white diamonds and yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum, or our signature Peach Gold—we’ll discuss your style and how different tones play together.
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Timeline: Custom rings typically take 6–8 weeks. Need it sooner? Let us know early so we can explore rush options. More on this in: How Long Does It Take to Make a Custom Engagement Ring?
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Sizing: We’ll mail a ring sizer, or help you guesstimate if it’s a surprise. Find more sizing tips in: How to Find Your Ring Size.
Book your custom consultation here.
Step 2: The Project Deposit
To kick things off, we collect a $200 deposit. This covers the stone sourcing and early design work. It’s non-refundable but goes toward the cost of your stone or becomes store credit if you need to pause.
Step 3: Stone Sourcing & Selection
Once we know what you’re dreaming of, we reach out to our network of trusted ethical diamond and gemstone dealers (locally and internationally) to find your gem.
We’ll share photos and videos of 2–3 options to choose from. You don’t need to be in person to fall in love—we make remote stone shopping feel easy and most importantly, FUN!
All stones are ethically and transparently sourced. Learn more about how we source ethical sapphires and ethical diamonds.
- At this time, we don’t work with client-provided or heirloom stones—but we’re always happy to source something that fits your vision
- Stone sales are final (since they’re sourced just for you)
Step 4: Setting Design
With your stone selected, we design the setting to fit it perfectly (we’re talking 1/10 of a millimeter precision).
We create 3D CAD renderings of your ring from every angle—so lifelike it feels like you’re already wearing it. You’ll get up to 3 rounds of design edits, and most clients are thrilled after the first or second.
At this stage, we take a 75% deposit (with the final 25% due before shipping).
Step 5: Production
Once you approve your design, our artisans get to work. From casting to setting to polishing, your ring is crafted with care and intention every step of the way.
Because each setting is custom-made to fit your stone, this part usually takes 4–6 weeks.
Want a peek into your ring’s progress? Just ask! We’ll send photos and videos throughout the journey.
Curious about timing? Read our timeline blog →
Step 6: Appraisals, Insurance & Warranty
If your ring is valued over $5,000, we’ll ask if you’d like an appraisal done (some insurance companies require it). We partner with a third-party gemologist who can complete the appraisal in about a week for $150.
You can also insure your ring through renters/homeowners insurance or companies like Jewelers Mutual, Lavalier, or Lemonade.
More on this in: Jewelry Appraisals: What to Know →
Step 7: Delivery
Your ring ships fully insured with FedEx or UPS (signature required). Need it to stay a surprise? We can ship directly to a pickup location. Our pick it up directly from Catherine Cason GIA Diamonds Graduate in our San Francisco, CA showrom.
International clients: orders may be subject to duties and taxes based on your country’s import rules. We recommend checking with your local customs office so there's no surprised at delivery.
Step 8: Optional Engraving
Want to make it even more personal? Add custom engraving—names, initials, meaningful dates, your constellations, your favorite mountain range, your zodiac symbols, a field of flowers - truly the limit does not exist!
We work with a local hand-engraver here in San Francisco who meticulously etches every mark for an incredibly meaningful work of art you'll love.
The cost is $15 per character for words and sayings, and patterns cost between $150 and $400 depending on the size and intricacy of the design.
More on this: Everything You Need to Know About Engraving Rings →
FAQ: yOUR CUSTOM ENGAGEMENT RING QUESTIONS ANSWERED
How long does it take to design and make a custom engagement ring?
Most custom rings take about 6–8 weeks from the first chat to delivery. That includes 1–3 weeks for stone selection, 1–2 weeks for CAD design and approval, and 4–6 weeks for craftsmanship and finishing. Some simpler designs can even be done in 3–4 weeks, while ultra-detailed rings might need up to 8 weeks.
What’s the cost range for a custom engagement ring?
Our custom solitaire settings start at $1025, and complete custom rings begin around $2,500. The final cost depends on your center stone, metal choice, and design detail — and there’s no “custom tax” added to the price.
Do I have to be local to Gem Breakfast to design a ring?
Absolutely not. Most of our custom engagements happen entirely remotely—from San Francisco to Singapore. We walk you through each step via Zoom, photos, and videos. If you are local to San Francisco, CA though we are happy to have you in our Showroom space! Many clients also desgin custom engagment rings with us here in San Francisco.
Can I see a preview before the ring is made?
Totally. After stone selection, we send you photorealistic 3D CAD renderings. You get up to 3 rounds of revisions until the ring feels perfect to you.
What metals and settings can I choose from?
You can choose 14k or 18k yellow, white, rose, or our signature Peach Gold—and platinum. Absolutely any setting under the sun can be done!
Do you offer payment plans?
We require full payment by the end of the process, but for in-stock (ready-to-ship) rings, we partner with Affirm. For custom work, the $200 deposit is non-refundable but applies to your project or converts to store credit.
What if I need the ring faster?
Let us know your timeline — some simpler designs can be completed in as little as 3–4 weeks.
Is customizing more expensive than buying a ready-to-ship ring?
Not at all. Because every Gem Breakfast ring is made from scratch, there’s no extra fee for customizing—it’s baked into the process.
Do I need to be local?
Nope! We work with clients around the world — everything is virtual and seamless.
What Gem Breakfast Customers say about the custom process
"My fiancé and I designed my ring about a year ago using some previous GB inspo. The ring is delicate but sturdy, gorgeous and even after taking it to a gem evaluator, they were impressed by the stone quality and design of the ring. I can truly see it as an item that is passed down to family for years to come."-Maria
"I couldn’t be happier with my custom engagement ring! Every detail was crafted beautifully, reflecting both my style and the love it represents. The quality and craftsmanship are outstanding, and it’s truly a one-of-a-kind piece. I’m beyond grateful for the care and attention that Sara took into making it so special. Highly recommend to anyone looking for something unique and meaningful! We will be back when it’s time for our wedding bands!"
-Felicity
"Gem Breakfast creates jewelry just as unique as you are! I absolutely LOVE my sapphire engagement ring that was custom made by the GB team. The customer service is outstanding and they created exactly what I was looking for. I will cherish this treasure forever!"-Julia
A few of our favorite custom engagement rings over the years
Ready to make yours?
Book your free consult → | Browse custom rings → | Shop loose stones →